Industrial enzymes are top triggers of allergies and asthma, according
to a new dissertation from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH).

A study with 110 participants showed that for 90% of asthma patients
and 80% of neurodermitis patients, the symptoms either disappeared
or were strongly reduced by eleminating industrial enzymes from their diet
and from laundry detergents.

Neurodermititis and food allergies have boomed since the 1960ies when the
industry started to artificially add enzymes to foods and laundry detergents.

Industrial enzymes are used in a wide range of foods, to improve gains,
processability, shelf-life, taste and other properties in flour,
starches, pop drinks, fruit juices, oils, beer, whine, cheese and meat.
These artificially-added enzymes don't have to be declared on the labels,
and it is hard to avoid them. Many of these enzymes are produced
by genetically modified organisms (GMOs), usually molds and bacteria.
Since the produced enzymes are subsequently separated from the GMOs, the
use of GMOs doesn't have to be declared. However, the separation
is often incomplete, and residuals of the molds and bacteria are the main
culprits of allergies.

Industrial enzymes are a vast business. Novo Nordisk, the Danish
market leader, makes about $500 million per year with industrial enzymes.
The gains in the food industry by using these enzymes and the market of
anti-allergy drugs are even bigger (billion$). It's not surprising
that the industry and allergy research establishment refused to comment
or cooperate on the new ETH research.